Tips for Caring for Your New Countertops

Once you have invested in new kitchen or bathroom countertops, you want to care for them properly. Proper care and maintenance will help them last longer and keep them looking as beautiful as the day they were installed. Cleaning up spills right away, taking care to prevent scratches and gouges, and re-sealing your countertops if needed can protect your investment and enhance the beauty of your space. Here are some tips for caring for your new countertops.

General Care and Maintenance

Regardless of what material your new countertops are made of, there are some general care and maintenance tips that will protect them from damage and reduce the daily wear and tear they undergo:

• Follow all manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
• Do not use sharp tools like knives directly on your countertops.
• Do not use abrasive cleaning products or tools on your countertop.
• Use mild cleaning products that are safe for your countertop material.
• Do not use harsh chemicals on your countertops.
• Do not put hot dishes, pots and pans, or baking sheets directly on your countertop.
• Clean up wet and dry spills right away. 

Cleaning and Caring for Granite Countertops

Granite is a stylish and elegant choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops. A granite countertop can last for decades if it is properly cared for and cleaned. Because granite is porous, it is susceptible to stains, especially if it isn’t sealed properly or re-sealed as needed. Here are our tips for cleaning and caring for granite countertops:

• Do not use any acidic cleaning products or anything containing vinegar.
• Clean your countertop daily with warm water and a mild soap or detergent.
• Only use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth for cleaning.
• If you spill something on your countertop, clean it up right away with a microfiber cloth or sponge.
• Seal your granite countertop every one or two years, or according to the instructions provided by your countertop installer. 

Cleaning and Caring for Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone countertops are unique, elegant, and can easily become the focal point of your kitchen or bathroom. Soapstone is naturally durable, non-porous, heat-resistant, and resistant to stains and bacteria. Here are our tips for cleaning and caring for soapstone countertops:

• Only use food-safe, non-petroleum oils on or near your soapstone countertop.
• Clean your countertop daily with warm water and a mild soap or detergent and a soft sponge or microfiber cloth.
• Do not use abrasive cleaning tools or products.
• Clean up wet and dry spills right away.
• Remove soap scum with a paste made from baking soda and warm water.

Cleaning and Caring for Marble Countertops

Marble countertops are beautiful and luxurious. Marble is porous and can stain easily, so marble countertops require special care. Your countertop should be sealed with a specialized sealant after it is installed. Here are our tips for cleaning and caring for marble countertops:

• Clean your countertop every day with a mixture of borax and warm water. 
• Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to clean, and then rinse away the mixture with warm water.
• Buff the countertop dry with a clean, dry, soft cloth.
• Do not use abrasive cleaning products or tools.
• Do not place heavy appliances or objects on the countertop, as they could scratch the surface when moved.
• Clean up spills right away to prevent stains.
• Do not use acidic cleaners or place acidic foods directly on your counters. 
• Re-seal your countertop every one or two years or as recommended by your countertop installer.

Cleaning and Caring for Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are durable, long-lasting, and relatively low maintenance. Because they are non-porous, they are resistant to stains and do not need to be sealed. However, they still require careful care and maintenance to prevent damage. Here are our tips for cleaning and caring for quartz countertops:

• Clean your countertops daily with an ammonia-free glass cleaner or mild detergent and warm water. 
• Do not use abrasive cleaning products or tools on your countertop.
• Do not put hot pots, pans, dishes, or baking sheets directly on your countertop.
• Do not use knives or other sharp tools or objects directly on your countertop. 
• Do not put heavy appliances or objects on your countertop as they could damage the countertop when moved. 
• Clean up wet and dry spills right away.
• Use a specialized oil-based cleaner or degreasing cleaner for tough dirt, grime, and grease.

Cleaning and Caring for Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops are versatile, very durable, and available in a wide range of colors and designs. They are very low maintenance, but you should still take care to avoid stains and damage. Here are our tips for cleaning and caring for laminate countertops:

• Do not use abrasive cleaning products or cleaning tools.
• Do not use ammonia or bleach to clean your countertop.
• Clean your countertop daily with a mild soap or detergent and a soft sponge or microfiber cloth.
• Clean up wet and dry spills right away to prevent stains.
• Use a household glass cleaner that is ammonia-free to restore the streak-free appearance of your laminate countertop.
• If recommended by the manufacturer or your countertop installer, you can apply appliance wax or light furniture wax to the surface to prevent stains and scratches.

Hire a Professional for Countertop Installation

At Abatiello Design Center, we understand that your kitchen and bathroom countertops are not just aesthetic. They need to withstand daily wear and tear and act as a workspace. We can help you pick out the perfect countertop material for your lifestyle, needs, goals, and budget. We specialize in professional countertop installation and we also have a design team who can help you coordinate your countertop material and design with your overall kitchen or bathroom design. We install high-quality, gorgeous countertops in laminate, quartz, marble, soapstone, and granite. To schedule a kitchen design consultation or countertop installation in Vermont, Upstate New York, or New Hampshire, call us today at (802) 773-6300 or contact us online.